Perched halfway between the historic cities of Pisa and Florence, Palazzo BelVedere is a unique gem in Montecatini Terme, a town celebrated for its rich spa history. This retreat stands out not just for its modern wellness offerings but also for its deep connection to the town's traditional healing heritage, dating back to the early 16th century.

A Personal Journey of Wellness
From the very outset of your visit to Palazzo BelVedere, you're invited to embark on a deeply personal journey towards wellness. It all begins with a revealing constitution test, designed to uncover your unique psycho-physiological makeup and functional habits. As someone accustomed to a dynamic and ever-evolving lifestyle, I discovered that my primary elements resonated with 'fire and air.' This discovery was the starting point of my experience under the expert guidance of Milena Simeoni, the visionary behind the Vitaliter program.

Seasonal Community and Exploration

While the Vitaliter paths are available throughout the year, the Vitalier Season, which occurs every three months, fosters a sense of community and shared exploration, aligning with the changing seasons. Whether it’s starting the day with an invigorating Pilates session, participating in the unique hydrosimulation ritual, exploring Terme Tuttuccio, or engaging in deep breathing exercises, each activity is a step towards holistic wellness.

Dining is a curated experience, with wellness guests receiving meals specifically tailored to balance their constitution, while a la carte options cater to other guests.

Unique Accommodations and Engaging Activities

Palazzo BelVedere offers a diverse range of accommodations with 60 rooms and suites, spread across eight different types. Each of these spaces is a tribute to the building's rich history, blending its historical charm with modern amenities. Additionally, the property features a gourmet restaurant, a cozy lounge bistro, and boasts 600 sqm of beautiful botanical gardens.

The retreat's array of activities and treatments offered both intriguing and unexpected experiences. The Vital Art sessions, while initially outside my comfort zone, emerged as a profound medium for connection. While some treatments offered unique and inspired spa therapies, reminiscent of ancient teachings, others adhered to the more conventional spa treatments. These novel practices initially intrigued both myself and fellow guests. The sense of novelty quickly ignited shared curiosity and sparked engaging discussions. As we delved into these treatments, a profound camaraderie developed among us, rooted in our collective exploration of these practices. This journey through unfamiliar yet captivating rituals added another layer of connection and depth to our stay, making it even more enriching and memorable.

I must also give a special mention to the exceptional staff members who made this experience so lovely. Enrico, who conducted my on-boarding in fluent English, encouraging me to slow down and schedule time to be present each day. Soili, Director of the HomeSpa and Naturopath, along with Daisy, the Vitaliter Agent, played pivotal roles in orchestrating this wellness journey. Louisa, my lovely therapist, who delivered the spa treatments with skill and care, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and balanced and the fab team in the restaurant serving up our special dishes with a smile every day.

Milena Simeoni: A Guiding Light in Wellness

Milena Simeoni's presence was a highlight of the Vitaliter Season. As an expert in holistic naturopathy, her insights and teachings, shared in detail and translated for all, were invaluable. Her approach, rooted in traditional European and Mediterranean Medicine, offered a profound understanding of wellness that extended beyond the physical, she actively encouraged guests to focus on promoting their health at every opportunity.

Wellness Facilities:

At Palazzo BelVedere, you'll find a range of wellness facilities to enhance your experience. Additionally, the surrounding area offers extensive parklands and hiking tracks to explore:

• Home Spa features 8 treatment suites designed for your relaxation and rejuvenation, themed to harmonise with the elements

• Small In-House Gym: limited equipment, primarily cardio machines and a kinesis machine.

• White Portico - space for Yoga, pilates, meditation and holistic activities

• Pools and Water areas

  • Large outdoor swimming pool with water and hydromassage at room temperature

  • Wellness pool with hydromassage beds, lumbar benches and water games for neck and back

  • Turkish bath in the green bamboo grove

  • Sauna skyline on the Tettuccio park

  • Kneipp bath and emotional showers, ice bench, Scottish shower

In Conclusion: A Retreat That Harmonises History with Modern Wellness

At Palazzo BelVedere, every aspect of your stay - from the personalised wellness programs to the unique character of the accommodations - is infused with a sense of history and a commitment to holistic wellbeing. It’s more than just a retreat; it’s a journey into the heart of wellness, set in a town that has been a haven for healing for centuries and yearns to rediscover its former glory.

It's important for future guests to note that Palazzo BelVedere, though aspiring to become a fully dedicated wellness property in the future, currently hosts a mix of guests with varying interests in wellness. This diversity is reflected in the hotel staff's approach, which caters to a broad range of guest preferences, from wellness-focused activities to more traditional holiday indulgences like dining and socialising. This blend can sometimes create a contrast in the overall wellness ethos of the retreat.

Guests should also be aware of a few practical aspects. Service can be leisurely, but the staff's friendliness and readiness to help are notable. For those visiting in winter, be mindful that the 'White Room' or White Portico, though stunning, may require warmer attire, and the indoor pool might feel cooler than expected (a quick dip in the outdoor pool will make it feel much warmer).

For anyone drawn to the allure of historical settings combined with contemporary wellness practices, Palazzo BelVedere is an intriguing destination. Its journey towards becoming a fully-fledged wellness retreat is ongoing, and while there are areas where the experience can still evolve, the charm, uniqueness, and potential of the retreat make for a memorable stay.